Kozhikode: Council discusses refreshment costs

Kozhikode: The undue increase in the refreshment expenses of mayor Thottathil Raveendran sparked off a ‘hot’ discussion in the corporation council on Friday as the members enjoyed their usual cup of tea and bites.

The opposition members sarcastically referred to the extreme addiction of mayor to tea and snacks to which he said he doesn’t drink tea at all.

However, the ruling LDF members pointed out that the opposition who also had enjoyed the tea throughout the financial year, also have an equal share in the crime.

According to the guidelines of the department of local administration, the mayor is entitled to spend only Rs 360,000 as refreshment expenses which exceeded to Rs 987,062 in the 2018-19 financial year.

The audit wing of the corporation indicated an additional expense of Rs 6,27,062 which needs the clearance of the finance department of the state.  The council also empowered the corporation standing committee (finance) to take necessary measures.

The council also discussed the possibility of allotting space for the proposed City Livelihood Centre for Skill Development either at Kudumbasree Vanitha Mall or at Industrial Estate of Kudumbasree at Eranhikkal.